Save the best for last: The year in review

I think back to a year ago and where I was. It's almost a night and day difference. Let's take a look back.... all the way to the year 2006.

In January I was still in college getting my Masters degree in Sports Administration. I wasn't sure if I wanted to even use my degree for what is was meant to be used for. But I persevered. I'm not sure if I wanted to get a Masters to help on the job front or if it was the fact I wanted people to call me Master Kent. Either way, the year of 2006 was meant for me finishing up my college experience once and for all. As I stand right now, the only thing left for me to do is walk across the stage one last time.

I started 2006 much the same as I did any other year: single. I had a few promising experiences but to no avail, well, maybe most were not so promising. 2006 was filled with frustration and loneliness. I look back on those experiences and thank God that He didn't let me do what I wanted to do. Not to say I regretted those experiences but it allowed me to meet somebody else. Just who is that somebody else? Well, maybe one of these days you might find out.

I also got to see some of my favorite musical groups. In the early part of the year I got to see Mute Math. And from that concert I enjoyed the musical concoctions of a group I now very much like: Radiant. I also got to see Third Day and David Crowder Band. But the most enjoyable experience was at Winter Jam in Norman, Oklahoma in March. There were several bands there, just like every Winter Jam. The headline act was the Newsboys. In fact, I got to meet all of the band members and even got an autographed poster. The concert was great, but mostly because I got to sit front row center. It only takes standing in line for 3 and a half hours before the doors open to be able to accomplish that. Well, that and pushing 10 year-olds down stairs so you can get there before them.

I also had a chance to go to New Orleans in May for missions work. I went with a group from Ada and another group from SWOSU. It was a great experience. I got to meet several new people from another college. But the most I got from the trip was the actual mission work. I got to see a city in ruins and it's inhabitants left to build it themselves. I was amazed at how much the city was devastated. What you saw on the news didn't come close to showing the situation in New Orleans. We helped work on a couple of houses during the time we were there. It made the whole trip worth it when we met the owner of the house. She was so appreciative and thankful. I am planning on going back next May.

But perhaps the biggest news of the year came on Tuesday, July 18, when I accepted a job offer to become a teacher/coach at a local public school. My life changed completely from that moment on. I was starting adulthood in my mind. More on teaching later.

With news of the new job, I decided it was time to go look for a house. It was strange to be doing this. So, I looked and found a house. I got a few roomies. But it wasn't that easy. There were problems right off the bat with the house and the owners. So, I decided that getting that house (and a house period) wasn't the best thing to do. Instead, I just stayed where I have been living, which was just a few minutes from the school. It made much more sense.

Also, due to the new job, I figured it was time to update a few things in my life. I decided to get a new truck. So, towards the end of October, I bought myself a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado. So far, I have invested around 1400 miles and way too much gas money. But I love and hope to love it for several years to come.

Teaching has been my life since August. And it flowed just how others said it would: very difficult at first, but then you get in the groove of things after a few months. And that's how it happened. At first I was a nervous wreck. I didn't know what I was doing at first. And heck, these kids were only but a few years younger than I. Was I going to know the material well enough? Was I going to be able to related to them? Would they like me? Hundreds of questions raced through my mind. But I got the hang of it and now I like it.

But coaching has been my on again off again joy of the job. I love the girls that are in basketball. They are a joy to be around and I couldn't have asked for a better group of girls. As a coach, I realized that I didn't want to win. I wanted THEM to win. It wasn't about me. And it still isn't. I want those girls to have everything. I guess I kind of feel like a father to them, which sounds unbelievably strange to hear me say that. I feel like I need to protect them so nothing bad will happen to them. But I love coaching. A lot of it probably has to do with the quality of young ladies I inherited.

But 2006 hasn't exactly been the best of times. There has been a little controversy with a few people that I used to hang out with. It was difficult for my friend who had to go through this. Plus, it was hard on his friends too. It was a time where some people almost had to choose their side. There was division among a group that I associated myself with and it was strange and heartbreaking to see it happen. It lasted for well too long. And when you thought it was over, other people became involved and made it last longer. Of course, I didn't help matters much, but I couldn't stand to see a good friend's reputation and name damaged because of what one person is saying about them, true or untrue.

Quick Hits: Other notable things that happened to me this year:

• I got a score of 214 in bowling, twice.
• I quit drinking carbonated beverages (since February 22)
• Made a list of qualities I want in a girl.
• Joined a church.
• Payed $80 for a pie, and only ate $50 of it.
• I was an usher at a wedding, again. I can't move up to best-man status, ever.
• Kissed a carney.
• Played stickball.
• Attended an NBA game for the first time .
• Changed my blog's template to something I like.
• Saw old lady boobs at the "speedy checkout" at WalMart.
• Hit somebody in the face with a bowling ball.
• Played drums at Falls Creek.

A lot has happened this year. Some good, some bad. But, I believe I am a much better person because of everything that has happened. I am truly blessed to have the people in my life. I have wonderful friends, a good job, great family, and a freakin' sweet truck.

So, what is in store for 2007? I'm sure I'll look back a year from now to this time in my life and think, "Wow. A lot has changed since then." Hopefully it will be a change for the good.

So, until next year, vaya con Dios. Happy New Year!